The Weight of the Cross

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it.” Matthew 10:37-39

In Oberammergau, Germany, the world-famous Passion Play is conducted once every ten years. For many years, Antoine Lange played the role of Jesus in that dramatic portrayal of the crucifixion of our Lord. As he became older, the heavy cross became more difficult for Mr. Lange to carry. Those who organize the play said one day, “Mr. Lange, you are getting old and that cross is very heavy. Let us make a lighter cross. We can make one of fiberglass that will be light but will look just like wood. It will be much easier for you to carry across the stage.” Lange said, “No! No! Unless I feel the weight of the cross, I cannot play the part!”

How desperately we need to feel the weight of the cross. For we cannot play the part God has for us to play in the drama of redemption unless we get under the cross of Jesus and feel the weight of it. Jesus said, “You cannot be My disciple unless you take up the cross daily.”

Are you bearing the cross today? Do you feel its weight?